HOW TO PREVENT WATER FROM DAMAGING YOUR FOUNDATION – FAMILY ROOFING

Posted on by David Reid

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HOW TO PREVENT WATER FROM DAMAGING YOUR FOUNDATION

  • Make sure that your lawn is sloped away from your house foundation.  It’s imperative to have proper grading.  Strive to have a 2-3% grade away from the foundation.  The idea is to make sure the water is rolling downhill and does not accumulate around your foundation.  If your soil is higher than your foundation, you need to take action.

  • Install gutters with downspout extensions.  When it rains, it’s not enough to simply have gutters.  That’s because gutters don’t discharge far enough away from a foundation to prevent damage from occurring.  Invest in downspout extensions and move the water as far away from your house as possible.  With regard to downspouts: For best results, install one for every 34-35’ of gutter.  Don’t try to get away with one for every 50-60’.

  • Make sure any flowerbeds around your foundation have borders with openings.  That way the water can run out of the beds and down into the yard.  Allow for sufficient air flow between the hedges or bushes that are near your foundation.  This will enable water to evaporate more quickly and prevent the soil from retaining moisture.

  • Installing a French drain is another way how you can stop water from damaging your foundation.  You may need a French drain on one side of your house or on several sides.  In situation where a pool deck is sloping towards your foundation, you may even need channel drains to prevent water from getting under your foundation, or actually entering your house.

  • Utilize swales or berms to stop water issues. In some instances, they can be very useful.

Step-by-Step Instructions for How to Protect Foundation From Water 

1. Check the Foundation

Before you start any preventive measures, make sure to check all parts of your foundation for signs of water damage.  Look for cracks in the walls or erosion around the base.  Be sure to remove debris, plants, trees, and shrubs close to the foundation.

2. Maintain Proper Drainage

The soil around your home should be graded so that it slopes away from the foundation.  Ensure all gutters and downspouts are directing water away from the house and that drainage pipes have no blockages.  If necessary, use landscaping to divert rainwater and snow melt away from your foundation.

3.  Check the Basement Windows

Ensure that basement windows are fitted with properly functioning window wells and covers, as this will help keep water out of the basement.  Make sure to check regularly for any damage or cracks in these areas.  Replace any worn-out materials right away. A damaged roof can cause water to leak inside your home, which can affect the foundation.  Inspect your roof regularly for any signs of damage and get repairs as soon as possible.

4. Install a Sump Pump

Installing a sump pump will help to keep excess water away from your foundation.  Ensure the pump is set up properly, and regularly check it for any damage or clogs. Consider getting a battery-operated backup system in case of power outages.  Check all pipes around your foundation for any gaps or cracks and seal them immediately. You can use caulk or concrete repair products to fill in the gaps.

5. Install Moisture Barriers

Installing a moisture barrier is an effective way of preventing water from seeping into the foundation.  Use a waterproofing membrane to create a barrier between the foundation and the surrounding soil.  If you notice any cracks in your foundation, use concrete repair products to fill them in.  These products can help prevent water from seeping into the cracks and causing damage.

6. Check Your Siding

Inspect your siding for any gaps or holes and repair them as soon as possible.  Ensure you get the right type of siding for your home, as this will help keep moisture out. Basements can be susceptible to water damage, so make sure they are always kept dry. Fix any leaks or condensation problems as soon as you spot them.  Remove any standing water from the basement and use dehumidifiers to reduce moisture levels in the area.

How Do You Prevent Moisture From Seeping Into Your Foundation? 

The best way to protect your foundation from water damage is by keeping water away from the foundation in the first place.  This can be done through effective landscaping and other techniques, such as:

  • Diverting Water Away From Your Home: Install gutters and downspouts to divert rainwater away from the foundation.  Ensure the downspouts are directing water at least 3-4 feet away from the house.

  • Regulate Soil Moisture: Ensure your soil doesn’t become oversaturated by regulating irrigation and improving drainage in your yard.  Also, ensure that any outdoor faucets or hoses don’t leak and cause moisture to pool near your foundation.

  • Slope Away From Your Home: Landscape around your home by creating a slope away from the house and towards drains, ditches, or swales.  This will help ensure that water is moving away from your foundation instead of pooling near it.

  • Repair Cracks in the Foundation: Inspect your foundation periodically and repair any cracks as soon as possible.  Even the smallest cracks can cause water to seep in.

Poorly draining soil and low ground can easily leave standing water in your yard. Not only can this be a nuisance, but it can also be a threat to your property.  Stagnant water can result in lawn, tree, basement and foundation damage.

French drains are a cost-effective option to help protect your property from standing water and reduce the chance of flooding.

What Is a French Drain?

If flooding in your basement or yard is a common problem, then a French drain system may be your solution.  French drains are a system of ditches and pipes that are used to divert water away from a specific area, like a home’s foundation.

The Pros and Cons of a French Drain

Pros

  • French drains help prevent flooding and reduce the risk of long-term water damage to your property.

  • They can last between 30 and 40 years.

  • They’re cost-effective.

  • French drains can be aesthetically pleasing as they are usually covered with small rocks, plants and sometimes even decorative grates.

Cons

  • The installation process can be long.

  • Existing structures, such as a deck or walkway, may need to be removed when digging trenches.

  • It could be dangerous to dig in areas with water, power or communications lines buried in the vicinity.

  • French drains can sometimes become clogged and overflow, causing damage.

How Does a French Drain Work?

To move water away from one area to another, a French drain system consists of a ditch lined with gravel and a perforated pipe that drains the water.  The French drain provides an easy path for water to flow through the gravel and into the drainage pipe. The perforated pipe should also be at a downward-sloping angle to allow gravity to do its job.